Handheld wireless communication device

ABSTRACT

An handheld wireless communication device that is cradleable in one hand during text entry. A display, key field and trackball navigation tool are located on a front face of the device. At least some keys of the key field are arranged in key-columns and each of the key-columns is vertically offset from adjacent key-columns. Alphanumeric input keys include several alphabetic keys with letters arranged in a traditional (QWERTY), but non-ITU Standard E.161 telephone letter layout. A microprocessor is provided that receives operator commands from the keys and the trackball navigation tool and which affects corresponding changes to the display based on user input. A menu key is positioned adjacent to the trackball navigation tool that upon actuation displays an available action menu on the display in dependence of the currently running application on the device.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is: (i) a continuation-in-part application ofU.S. application Ser. No. 11/618,500, filed on Dec. 29, 2006 which is acontinuation-in-part application of U.S. application Ser. No.11/423,837, filed Jun. 13, 2006 and claims the benefit of U.S.Provisional Application Nos. 60/773,145 60/773,798, 60/773,799, and60/773,800, filed Feb. 13, 2006, Feb. 14, 2006, Feb. 14, 2006, and Feb.14, 2006, respectively; (ii) a continuation-in-part application of U.S.application Ser. No. 11/423,740, filed Jun. 13, 2006; (iii) acontinuation-in-part application of U.S. application Ser. No.11/308,436, filed Mar. 24, 2006; and (iv) a continuation-in-partapplication of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/872,983, filed Jun. 21,2004. Each of said applications is hereby expressly incorporated hereinby reference in their entireties.

FIELD

The present disclosure, in a broad sense, is directed toward handheldelectronic devices. More specifically, the disclosure is directed towardhandheld communication devices that have wireless communicationcapabilities and the networks within which the wireless communicationdevices operate. The present disclosure further relates to the userinterfaces of these devices, as well as the software that controls andruns applications on the device.

BACKGROUND

With the advent of more robust wireless communications systems,compatible handheld communication devices are becoming more prevalent,as well as advanced. Where in the past such handheld communicationdevices typically accommodated either voice transmission (cell phones)or text transmission (pagers and PDAs), today's consumer often demands acombination device capable of performing both types of transmissions,including even sending and receiving e-mail. Furthermore, thesehigher-performance devices can also be capable of sending and receivingother types of data including that which allows the viewing and use ofInternet websites. These higher level functionalities necessarilyrequire greater user interaction with the devices through included userinterfaces (UIs) which may have originally been designed to accommodatemaking and receiving telephone calls and sending messages over a relatedShort Messaging Service (SMS). As might be expected, suppliers of suchmobile communication devices and the related service providers areanxious to meet these customer requirements, but the demands of thesemore advanced functionalities have in many circumstances rendered thetraditional user interfaces unsatisfactory, a situation that has causeddesigners to have to improve the UIs through which users inputinformation and control these sophisticated operations.

A primary focus of the present disclosure is enhanced usability oftoday's more sophisticated wireless handheld communication devices 300taking into account the necessary busyness of the front face real estateof these more compact devices that incorporate additional userinterfaces.

Keyboards are used on many handheld devices, including telephones andmobile communication devices. The size of keyboards has been reducedover the years, as newer, smaller devices have become popular. Cellphones, for example, are now sized to fit in one's pocket or the palm ofthe hand. As the size of the devices has decreased, the more importantit has become to utilize all of the keyboard surface as efficiently aspossible.

Many keyboards on mobile devices have an input device for navigationthrough the graphical user interface. These interfaces include suchdevices as trackballs and rotating wheels which can be used to affectmovement of a cursor or pointer, or to scroll up, down and about adisplayed page. These navigation devices often occupy a relatively largeamount of space on the incorporating mobile device. Because thenavigation device is frequently used and often requires fine control, alower end size limitation will normally be observed by device designers.To accommodate such larger, more convenient navigation devices on thehousing of the mobile device, the amount of space that is available forthe keys of the keyboard is correspondingly reduced if the keyboard andnavigational device are proximately located to one another.

Another keyboard spacing problem is that of finger overlap when keys aresmaller than the user's finger and are spaced closely together. Becausekeys near the center of the keyboard are surrounded by other keys, theyare particularly more difficult to press without the user's fingeroverlapping and inadvertently pressing an adjacent key.

Accordingly, as the demand for small-screen devices capable of runningincreasingly complex applications continues to grow, the need exists fora way to implement user control interface menus that overcome thevarious disadvantages with conventional dropdown-style hierarchicalmenus.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Exemplary methods and arrangements conducted and configured according tothe advantageous solutions presented herein are depicted in theaccompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 depicts a handheld communication device configured according tothe present teachings cradled in the palm of a user's hand;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram representing a wireless handheld communicationdevice interacting in a communication network;

FIG. 3 a is a device-displayed home screen which shows a set of iconsrepresenting various applications available on the device and the emailicon is selected;

FIG. 3 b is a device-displayed home screen which shows another set oficons representing various applications available on the device and theemail icon is selected;

FIG. 4 is a device-displayed high level extended menu associated withthe email icon on the home screen;

FIG. 5 a is a device-displayed email listing;

FIG. 5 b is a device-displayed extended menu relevant to the emaillisting;

FIG. 5 c is a device-displayed open message chosen from the emaillisting;

FIG. 5 d is a user requested short menu that presents frequently desiredactions relative to an open email message;

FIG. 5 e is an extended menu that presents further options relevant toan open email message which was displayed based on a user selection ofthe “show more” option of FIG. 5 d;

FIG. 6 is a flow chart representative of a hierarchical menu process;

FIG. 7 depicts an expedited menuing system on a handheld electronicdevice in which a short or abbreviated menu pops-up showing a listing ofone menu item the user may desire to perform;

FIG. 8 further illustrates the hierarchical menu process depicted inFIG. 7;

FIG. 9 a illustrates an exemplary QWERTY keyboard layout;

FIG. 9 b illustrates an exemplary QWERTZ keyboard layout;

FIG. 9 c illustrates an exemplary AZERTY keyboard layout;

FIG. 9 d illustrates an exemplary Dvorak keyboard layout;

FIG. 10 illustrates a QWERTY keyboard layout paired with a traditionalten-key keyboard;

FIG. 11 illustrates ten digits comprising the numerals 0-9 arranged in atraditional, ITU Standard E.161 numeric telephone keypad layout,including the * and # flanking the zero;

FIG. 12 illustrates a traditional or standard phone key arrangement orlayout according to the ITU Standard E.161 including both numerals andletters;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of another exemplary handheldcommunication device cradled in a user's hand and displaying an array offour icons (1, 2, 3 and 4) on a display thereof;

FIG. 14 is a schematic representation of an auxiliary user input in theform of a trackball;

FIG. 15 is an exploded perspective view of an exemplary wirelesshandheld electronic device incorporating a trackball assembly as theauxiliary user input;

FIG. 16 is a front facing view of an example mobile device having anavigation tool within a keyfield;

FIG. 17 is a front facing view of another example mobile device havinganother example key arrangement;

FIG. 18 is a front facing view of yet another example mobile devicehaving yet another example key arrangement;

FIG. 19 is a front facing view of still another example mobile devicehaving still another example key arrangement;

FIG. 20 is a front facing view of yet another example key arrangement;

FIG. 21 is a front facing view of still another example mobile devicehaving still another example key arrangement; and

FIG. 22 is a front facing view of another example key arrangement.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

An exemplary handheld electronic device 300 such as is shown in FIG. 1and the device's cooperation in a wireless network 319 is exemplified inthe block diagram of FIG. 2. These figures are exemplary only, and thosepersons skilled in the art will appreciate the additional elements andmodifications necessary to make the device 300 work in particularnetwork environments.

The block diagram of FIG. 2 denotes the device's 300 inclusion of amicroprocessor 338 that controls the operation of the device 300. Acommunication subsystem 311 performs all communication transmission andreception with the wireless network 319. The microprocessor 338 furtherconnects with an auxiliary input/output (I/O) subsystem 328, a serialport (preferably a Universal Serial Bus port) 330, a display 322, akeyboard 332, a speaker 334, a microphone 336, random access memory(RAM) 326, and flash memory 324. Other communication subsystems 340 andother device subsystems 342 are generally indicated as beingfunctionally connected with the microprocessor 338 as well. An exampleof a communication subsystem 340 is that of a short range communicationsystem such as BLUETOOTH® communication module or an infrared device andassociated circuits and components. Additionally, the microprocessor 338is able to perform operating system 408 functions and preferably enablesexecution of software applications on the communication device 300.

The included auxiliary I/O subsystem 328 can take the form of a varietyof different navigation tools including a trackball 321 based device, athumbwheel, a navigation pad, or a joystick, just as examples. Thesenavigation tools are preferably located on the front surface of thedevice 300 but may be located on any exterior surface of the device 300.Other auxiliary I/O devices can include external display devices andexternally connected keyboards (not shown). While the above exampleshave been provided in relation to the auxiliary m/O subsystem 328, othersubsystems capable of providing input or receiving output from thehandheld electronic device 300 are considered within the scope of thisdisclosure. Additionally, other keys may be placed along the side of thedevice 300 to function as escape keys, volume control keys, scrollingkeys, power switches, or user programmable keys, and may likewise beprogrammed accordingly.

As may be appreciated from FIG. 1, the handheld communication device 300comprises a lighted display 322 located above a keyboard 332 suitablefor accommodating textual input to the handheld communication device 300when in an operable configuration. The front face of the device has akeyfield 650 that includes menu keys 652, alphanumeric keys 630,alphabetic keys 632, numeric keys 42, and other function keys as shownin FIG. 1. As shown, the device 300 is of unibody construction, alsoknown as a “candy-bar” design.

Keys, typically of a push-button or push-pad nature, perform well asdata entry devices but present problems to the user when they must alsobe used to affect navigational control over a screen-cursor. In order tosolve this problem the present handheld electronic device 300 preferablyincludes an auxiliary input 328 that acts as a cursor navigational tooland which is also exteriorly located upon the front face of the device300. Its front face location is particularly advantageous because itmakes the tool easily thumb-actuable like the keys of the keyboard. Aparticularly usable embodiment provides the navigational tool in theform of a trackball 321 which is easily utilized to instructtwo-dimensional screen cursor movement in substantially any direction,as well as act as an actuator when the ball 321 is depressed like abutton. The placement of the trackball 321 is preferably above thekeyboard 332 and below the display screen 322; here, it avoidsinterference during keyboarding and does not block the user's view ofthe display screen 322 during use.

As illustrated in at least FIG. 1, the present disclosure is directed toa handheld wireless communication device 300 configured to send andreceive text messages. The device includes a hand cradleable bodyconfigured to be held in one hand by an operator of the device duringtext entry. A display 322 is included that is located on a front face370 of the body and upon which information is displayed to the operatorduring text entry. A key field 650 is also located on the front face ofthe elongate body and which comprises a plurality of keys selected froma plurality of alphanumeric input keys 630 and at least one menu key652. A trackball navigation tool 328 is also located on the front faceof the body. The alphanumeric input keys comprise a plurality ofalphabetic keys 632 having letters associated therewith and the lettersQ, W, E, R and T are arranged in consecutive order in a top row of thealphabetic keys. More generically, the order of the letters of thealphabetic keys 632 on the presently disclosed device can be describedas being of a traditional, but non-ITU Standard E.161 layout. Thisterminology has been utilized to clearly delineate the fact that such atelephone keypad as depicted in FIG. 12 is not suitable for use in thepresently disclosed device 300. Moreover, persons skilled in these artsand which design devices 300 of the nature defined herein would not lookto devices that include an ITU Standard E.161 alphabetic telephonekeypad configuration because of the substantial deficiencies that existwhere text input beyond short messaging services (SMS) is required, suchas for emailing. A microprocessor 338 is provided internal to the devicebody that receives operator commands from the alphanumeric input keys630, the menu keys 652 and the trackball navigation tool 328 and whichaffects corresponding changes to the display based on user input.

As can be appreciated from FIG. 1, the alphanumeric input keys of thekey field are arranged in key-rows and key-columns and each key-columnis vertically offset from an adjacent key-column. Further, in theillustrated example, each of the key-columns is vertically offset fromall adjacent key-columns. For instance, each of the interior columns isvertically offset from both flanking columns.

One result of this offset column orientation is that the key-columns arelinearly arranged while the key-rows are non-linearly arranged.

As illustrated in at least FIG. 22, the trackball navigation tool(denoted by the designation “select”) is at least partially surroundedby the key field. Moreover, as shown therein, a majority of thetrackball navigation tool is surrounded by the key field.

Referring again to FIG. 1, the handheld wireless communication device300 is also configured to send and receive voice communications such asmobile telephone calls. At least one key of the key field 650 ispositioned adjacent to the trackball navigation tool and that key has acircular arc-shaped edge conformance fitting to a circular arc-shapedboundary about the trackball navigation tool 328. To facilitatetelephone calls, two call keys 605, 609 oppositely and laterally flankthe trackball navigation tool. One of the two call keys is a callinitiation key 605 and the other is a call termination key 609.

The key 606 positioned adjacent to the trackball navigation tool 328 isa menu key that upon actuation displays an available action menu on thedisplay in dependence of the currently running application on the device300.

The trackball navigation tool 321 enables methods and arrangements forfacilitating diagonal cursor movement in such environments as iconarrays 70 and spreadsheet grids on a display screen 322 of a relativelysmall, wireless handheld communication device 300, variously configuredas described above, such as that depicted in FIG. 13. One exemplaryembodiment takes the form of a method for affecting diagonal movement ofa cursor 71 on the display screen 322 of a handheld communication device300. The method includes sensing movement at an auxiliary user input 328of the handheld communication device 300 indicative of the user's desireto affect diagonal movement of the cursor 71 on the display screen 322of the handheld communication device 300. X-direction signals andY-direction signals are produced based on the sensed movement at theauxiliary user input 328. During that time while the necessary signalsare being collected and processed, the cursor 71 is held steady on thedisplay screen 322 until a predetermined criterion is met fordiscriminating whether the user has indicated x-direction cursormovement, y-direction cursor movement or diagonal cursor movement. Inthat the processing is typically conducted by a processor 338 accordingto a resident computer program, the predetermined criterion is either apreset condition or a user definable condition, examples of which arediscussed in greater detail hereinbelow. Finally, diagonal cursormovement is affected on the display screen 322 of the handheldcommunication device 300 when diagonal cursor movement is discriminatedto have been user indicated.

Furthermore, the device is equipped with components to enable operationof various programs, as shown in FIG. 2. In an exemplary embodiment, theflash memory 324 is enabled to provide a storage location for theoperating system 408, device programs 358, and data. The operatingsystem 408 is generally configured to manage other application programs358 that are also stored in memory 324 and executable on the processor338. The operating system 408 honors requests for services made byapplication programs 358 through predefined application program 358interfaces. More specifically, the operating system 408 typicallydetermines the order in which multiple applications 358 executed on theprocessor 338 and the execution time allotted for each application 358,manages the sharing of memory 324 among multiple applications 358,handles input and output to and from other device subsystems 342, and soon. In addition, users can typically interact directly with theoperating system 408 through a user interface usually including thekeyboard 332 and display screen 322. While the operating system 408 in apreferred embodiment is stored in flash memory 324, the operating system408 in other embodiments is stored in read-only memory (ROM) or similarstorage element (not shown). As those skilled in the art willappreciate, the operating system 408, device application 358 or partsthereof may be loaded in RAM 326 or other volatile memory.

In a preferred embodiment, the flash memory 324 containsprograms/applications 358 for execution on the device 300 including anaddress book 352, a personal information manager (PIM) 354, and thedevice state 350. Furthermore, programs 358 and other information 356including data can be segregated upon storage in the flash memory 324 ofthe device 300.

When the device 300 is enabled for two-way communication within thewireless communication network 319, it can send and receive signals froma mobile communication service. Examples of communication systemsenabled for two-way communication include, but are not limited to, theGPRS (General Packet Radio Service) network, the UMTS (Universal MobileTelecommunication Service) network, the EDGE (Enhanced Data for GlobalEvolution) network, and the CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access) networkand those networks, generally described as packet-switched, narrowband,data-only technologies which are mainly used for short burst wirelessdata transfer. For the systems listed above, the communication device300 must be properly enabled to transmit and receive signals from thecommunication network 319. Other systems may not require suchidentifying information. GPRS, UMTS, and EDGE require the use of a SIM(Subscriber Identity Module) in order to allow communication with thecommunication network 319. Likewise, most CDMA systems require the useof a RUIM (Removable Identity Module) in order to communicate with theCDMA network. The RUIM and SIM card can be used in multiple differentcommunication devices 300. The communication device 300 may be able tooperate some features without a SIM/RUIM card, but it will not be ableto communicate with the network 319. A SIM/RUIM interface 344 locatedwithin the device 300 allows for removal or insertion of a SIM/RUIM card(not shown). The SIM/RUIM card features memory and holds keyconfigurations 351, and other information 353 such as identification andsubscriber related information. With a properly enabled communicationdevice 300, two-way communication between the communication device 300and communication network 319 is possible.

If the communication device 300 is enabled as described above or thecommunication network 319 does not require such enablement, the two-waycommunication enabled device 300 is able to both transmit and receiveinformation from the communication network 319. The transfer ofcommunication can be from the device 300 or to the device 300. In orderto communicate with the communication network 319, the device 300 in apreferred embodiment is equipped with an integral or internal antenna318 for transmitting signals to the communication network 319. Likewisethe communication device 300 in the preferred embodiment is equippedwith another antenna 316 for receiving communication from thecommunication network 319. These antennae (316, 318) in anotherpreferred embodiment are combined into a single antenna (not shown). Asone skilled in the art would appreciate, the antenna or antennae (316,318) in another embodiment are externally mounted on the device 300.

When equipped for two-way communication, the communication device 300features a communication subsystem 311. As is well known in the art,this communication subsystem 311 is modified so that it can support theoperational needs of the device 300. The subsystem 311 includes atransmitter 314 and receiver 312 including the associated antenna orantennae (316, 318) as described above, local oscillators (LOs) 313, anda processing module 320 which in a preferred embodiment is a digitalsignal processor (DSP) 320.

It is contemplated that communication by the device 300 with thewireless network 319 can be any type of communication that both thewireless network 319 and device 300 are enabled to transmit, receive andprocess. In general, these can be classified as voice and data. Voicecommunication is communication in which signals for audible sounds aretransmitted by the device 300 through the communication network 319.Data is all other types of communication that the device 300 is capableof performing within the constraints of the wireless network 319.

The user is capable of interacting with the device 300 through readinginformation displayed on the display screen 322, entering text using thekeyboard 332, and inputing cursor movement through the use of theauxiliary user input device 328, among other ways. The auxiliary userinput device 328 as described above is preferably a trackball 321, asdepicted in FIG. 13. Motion of the trackball 321 is assessed using aplurality of sensors 72, 74, 76, 78 that quantify rotational motion ofthe trackball 321 about an intersecting x-axis 82 and an intersectingy-axis 84 of the trackball (see FIG. 14).

In one embodiment, the plurality of sensors 72, 78 number two. One ofthe two sensors 72 outputs signals indicative of x-component rollingmotion of the trackball 321 relative to the handheld communicationdevice 300 and about the intersecting y-axis 84 of the trackball 321(see the rotational arrows about the y-axis in FIG. 14). The other ofthe two sensors 78 outputs signals indicative of y-component rollingmotion of the trackball 321 relative to the handheld communicationdevice 300 and about the intersecting x-axis 82 of the trackball 321(see the rotational arrows about the x-axis in FIG. 14). In thisconfiguration, the two sensors 72, 78 are oriented radially about thetrackball 321 with approximately ninety degree spacing therebetween. Inone embodiment, each of the sensors is a hall effect sensor locatedproximate the trackball.

In another embodiment, the plurality of sensors 72, 74, 76, 78 numberfour. A first pair of opposed sensors 72, 76 outputs signals indicativeof x-component rolling motion of the trackball 321 relative to thehandheld communication device 300 and about the intersecting y-axis 84.A second pair of opposed sensors 74, 78 outputs signals indicative of ay-component rolling motion of the trackball 321 relative to the handheldcommunication device 300 and about the intersecting x-axis 82. The foursensors 72, 74, 76, 78 are oriented radially about the trackball 321with approximately ninety degree spacing between consecutive sensors asdepicted in FIGS. 13 and 14.

Each produced x-direction signal represents a discrete amount ofx-component (incremental x-direction) rolling motion of the trackball321 relative to the handheld communication device 300 while eachproduced y-direction signal represents a discrete amount of y-component(incremental y-direction) rolling motion of the trackball 321 relativeto the handheld communication device 300.

In a preferred embodiment, the predetermined criterion fordiscriminating user indicated x-direction cursor movement isidentification of a threshold number of x-direction signals in apredetermined signal sample. For example, out of a moving-window sampleof 10 consecutive signals, six or more must be x-signals in order to beindicative of desired x-direction cursor movement. Likewise, thepredetermined criterion for discriminating user indicated y-directioncursor movement is identification of a threshold number of y-directionsignals in a predetermined signal sample. The same sampling exampleholds, but applied to y-signals instead of x-signals. In a similarrespect, the predetermined criterion for discriminating user indicateddiagonal cursor movement is identification of a threshold number ofx-direction signals and a threshold number of y-direction signals in apredetermined signal sample. For instance, out of a moving-window sampleof 10 consecutive signals, four or more must be x-signals and four ormore must be y-signals in order to be indicative of desired diagonalcursor movement.

In a more generic sense, it is pattern recognition software that isutilized to identify user indicated diagonal cursor movement based onanalysis of a predetermined signal sample.

Alternatively, a method is disclosed for affecting diagonal movement ofa highlighting cursor 71 amongst an array of icons 70 on a displayscreen 322 of a handheld communication device 300. Movement at anauxiliary user input 328 of the handheld communication device 300 issensed and which is indicative of the user's desire to affect diagonalmovement of the highlighting cursor 71 from a currently highlighted icon73 on the display screen 322 to a diagonally located icon 75 on thedisplay screen 322 of the handheld communication device 300. Themovement is described as being “at” the auxiliary user input 328 tocover such situations as when the input is a touchpad or similar devicesince no portion of that type of input device actually moves, but theuser's finger indicatively moves relative thereto (across the touchpad).

As in the previously described method, x-direction signals andy-direction signals are produced based on the sensed movement at theauxiliary user input 328. Again, the highlighting cursor 71 is heldsteady on a presently highlighted icon 73 on the display screen 322while processing the x-direction signals and y-direction signals until apredetermined criterion is met for discriminating whether the user hasindicated movement to an icon left or right of the presently highlightedicon 73, above or below the presently highlighted icon 73, or diagonallypositioned relative to the presently highlighted icon 73. Diagonalmovement of the highlighting cursor 73 is then affected betweendiagonally positioned icons on the display screen 322 of the handheldcommunication device 300 when diagonal cursor movement is discriminatedto have been user indicated. In other respects, this embodiment issimilar to that which has been earlier described.

In yet another embodiment, the apparatus of a handheld communicationdevice 300 is disclosed that is capable of affecting diagonal movementof a highlighting cursor 71 amongst an array of icons 70 on a displayscreen 322 of the handheld communication device 300. The display screen322 is located above a keyboard 332 suitable for accommodating textualinput to the handheld communication device 300 and an auxiliary userinput 328 is located essentially between the display 322 and keyboard332. Sensors 72, 78 (74, 76) are provided that are capable of sensingmovement at the auxiliary user input 328 indicative of the user's desireto affect diagonal movement of the highlighting cursor 71 from acurrently highlighted icon number 73 on the display screen 322 to adiagonally located icon 75 on the display screen 322 of the handheldcommunication device 300. The sensors produce x-direction signals andy-direction signals based on the sensed movement at the auxiliary userinput 328. A processor 338 is included that is capable of analyzing theproduced x-direction signals and y-direction signals and outputting acursor control signal that holds the highlighting cursor 71 steady on apresently highlighted icon 73 on the display screen 322 during theprocessing and until a predetermined criterion is met for discriminatingwhether the user has indicated movement to an icon left or right of thepresently highlighted icon, above or below the presently highlightedicon 73, or diagonally positioned relative to the presently highlightedicon numeral 73 and then affecting diagonal movement of the highlightingcursor number 71 between diagonally positioned icons on the displayscreen of the handheld communication device 300 when diagonal cursormovement is discriminated to have been user indicated.

As mentioned hereinabove, there are situations in which the user willnot want the X and Y signals to be converted into diagonal movementgenerating signals. For example, when navigating a map scene or othertype of image, fine directional movement from the navigation tool willbe most desired; otherwise the “collection” of X and Y signals producesundesirable “jerky” cursor movement. Therefore, in at least oneembodiment, the diagonal movement feature can be turned on and off bythe user, or be automatically set in dependence upon the applicationthat is being cursor-traversed.

The integration of the trackball assembly into handheld device 300 canbe seen in the exploded view of FIG. 15 showing some of the typicalcomponents found in the assembly of the handheld electronic device 300.The construction of the device benefits from various manufacturingsimplifications. The internal components are constructed on a single PCB(printed circuit board) 12. The keyboard 332 is constructed from asingle piece of material, and in a preferred embodiment is made fromplastic. The keyboard 332 sits over dome switches (not shown) located onthe PCB 12 in a preferred embodiment. One switch is provided for everykey on the keyboard in the preferred embodiment, but in otherembodiments more than one switch or less than one switch per key arepossible configurations. The support frame 11 holds the keyboard 332 andnavigation tool 328 in place above the PCB 12. The support frame 11 alsoprovides an attachment point for the display (not shown). A lens 13covers the display to prevent damage. When assembled, the support frame11 and the PCB 12 are fixably attached to each other and the display ispositioned between the PCB 12 and support frame 11.

The navigation tool 328 is frictionally engaged with the support frame11, but in a preferred embodiment the navigation tool 328 is removablewhen the device is assembled. This allows for replacement of thenavigation tool 328 if when it becomes damaged or the user desiresreplacement with a different type of navigation tool 328. In theexemplary embodiment of FIG. 15, the navigation tool 328 is a ball 321based device. Other navigation tools 328 such as joysticks, four-waycursors, or touch pads are also considered to be within the scope ofthis disclosure. When the navigation tool 328 has a ball 321, the ball321 itself can be removed without removal of the navigation tool 328.The removal of the ball 321 is enabled through the use of an outerremovable ring 23 and an inner removable ring 22. These rings 22, 23ensure that the navigation tool 328 and the ball 321 are properly heldin place against the support frame 11.

A serial port (preferably a Universal Serial Bus port) 330 and anearphone jack 40 are fixably attached to the PCB 12 and further held inplace by right side element 15. Buttons 30-33 are attached to switches(not shown), which are connected to the PCB 12.

Final assembly involves placing the top piece 17 and bottom piece 18 incontact with support frame 11. Furthermore, the assembly interconnectsright side element 15 and left side element 16 with the support frame11, PCB 12, and lens 13. These side elements 16, 15 provide additionalprotection and strength to the support structure of the device 300. In apreferred embodiment, backplate 14 is removably attached to the otherelements of the device.

In one respect, the present disclosure is directed toward a method fordisplaying an abbreviated menu on the screen of a handheld electronicdevice 300 at the request of the user. Typical examples of such devicesinclude PDAs, mobile telephones and multi-mode communicator devices suchas those capable of transmitting both voice and text messages such asemail. The method includes displaying a cursor-navigable page on ascreen 322 of a handheld electronic device 300. One example would be thetext of an open email message 620, see FIG. 5C. Next, the user initiatesan ambiguous request for the display of menu options corresponding tothe displayed page while a cursor is positioned at a location on thepage that is not visually signified for menu display actuation. Forinstance, with the screen cursor positioned upon the body of the openemail message 620, but where there is no visual indicator that thelocation is one which will cause a menu to be displayed if actuated, anaction is taken such as pressing a button on the device 300 thatindicates the user's desire to take action with respect to the displayedpage (open email message 620). There are several actions which might betaken with respect to the open email message 620, but none has beenspecified; therefore, the request is termed ambiguous. Responsively, thedevice 300, under the control of an included microprocessor 338,displays a short menu 624 having a first list of menu items which is asubset of a second list of menu items that make up an extended menu 618associated with the displayed page, see FIGS. 5 d, 5 e. This first listof menu items has been assessed a higher probability for beinguser-selected or desired than at least some of the remaining items ofthe second list. This means that there is a long list (the second list)of actions that might be taken when the email message is displayed, butthere is also a predefined short subset (the first list) of actions ofthis long list which have been assessed to be more frequentlyselected/desired, so it is this short listing of selectable actions thatis displayed in response to the user's ambiguous request since one ofthe available actions on the short list is likely to satisfy the user'sneed.

In at least one version of the device 300, the user's ambiguous requestis made through an auxiliary user input device 328 on the handheldelectronic device 300. One example of the auxiliary user input device328 is a navigation tool, such as a trackball 321, that controlsmovement of the cursor on the screen 322 of the handheld electronicdevice 300.

The device 300 may also include an input that issues a non-ambiguousrequest to display the extended menu 618 associated with the displayedpage, and which may be simply constituted by an actuable button or thelike.

In order to facilitate usability, it is also contemplated thatselectable items on the short listing can include choices to expand theshort menu 624 to the extended menu 618, or to close the short menu 624.In order to reinforce the commonality between the extended menu 618choice on the short list and the dedicated push-button for the longlist, each is marked with a similar insignia.

In order to take full advantage of the small screen 322 of the handhelddevice 300, the short menu 624 is displayed on the screen 322 in placeof the displayed page, and preferably fills a substantial entirety ofthe screen 322.

Benefits of the disclosed hierarchical menu system include the abilityto implement a hierarchical menu on devices having varying screen sizes,including small-screen devices. The disclosed hierarchical menu permitsthe display of one menu at a time. In an almost intuitive manner, themethods disclosed allow the user to make an ambiguous selection todirectly open a particular item on a displayed page or to display ashort menu 624 of items typically used with a displayed page. Thisreduces user confusion and enhances usability of the system. By using a“menu” item on the short menu 624 or a menu key 606, the user always hasthe option to view the extended menu 618 associated with the displayedpage. By using a “back” menu item or key 608, the user can navigate topreviously displayed menus within the string of historically selectedmenus without cluttering the displayed menus with such historical items.

The menuing task is generally performed by a menuing subsystem orhierarchical menu module 412 of an operating system 408 executing on ahandheld electronic device 300. Accordingly, as illustrated relative tothe handheld electronic device 300 of FIG. 2, a hierarchical menu module412 is implemented as part of the operating system 408. In general, themodule 412 is configured to receive menu calls from various applications358 and to service those calls by displaying a menu on a display screen322 according to the parameters provided by the application 358 makingthe menu call. Although module 412 is illustrated as being part ofoperating system 408, it is noted that the module 412 might alsofunction as a stand-alone module 412 stored in memory 324 and executableon a processor 338. In general, although the functioning of module 412as part of operating system 408 is preferred, it is not intended as alimitation regarding its implementation by a handheld electronic device300.

In addition to managing typical menuing functions, the hierarchical menumodule 412 implements a hierarchical menu in accordance with applicationprograms 358 that support hierarchical menus. Thus, for applications 358designed to provide hierarchical menus, hierarchal menu module 412 isconfigured to implement those hierarchical menus as hierarchical menuswith ambiguous selection. The implementation of a hierarchical menu as ahierarchical menu with ambiguous selection can occur automatically forany application 358 making a hierarchical menu call to operating system408. Alternatively, it can occur based on a specific request from anapplication 358 to implement the hierarchical menu as a hierarchicalmenu with ambiguous selection. Thus, handheld electronic device 300manufacturers can configure the devices to automatically providehierarchical menus which facilitate application developers. This enablesapplication developers to design hierarchical menus, both extended 618and short 624, in a typical manner without making any changes to theirapplication 358 source code. Alternatively, handheld electronic device300 manufacturers can configure devices 300 to provide hierarchicalmenus with ambiguous selection by default, or upon request forapplication 358 developers. This enables application 358 developers todesign hierarchical menus in a typical manner and further allows them todetermine if application 358 menus will be implemented as hierarchicalmenus with ambiguous selection by making a simple selection throughtheir application source code to identify what action should occur inresponse to an ambiguous selection and populate short menus 624 withpreferably those actions, tasks or other commands most commonly usedwith respect to the displayed page on the screen 322.

Referring to FIGS. 1, 3 a, 3 b, 4, and 5 a-5 e, the following is adiscussion and comparison of the use of the extended 618 and short 624menus on the handheld electronic device 300.

In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 1, the device 300 has a first inputcontroller, which is preferably an auxiliary I/O subsystem 328 having adepressible rolling member or trackball 321, which is used to access theshort menu 624. The handheld device 300 also has a second inputcontroller, in this case menu key 606, which is used to access theapplicable extended menu 618. These menus 618, 624 are based on theinterface principle of see and click. In this manner, users do not haveto remember commands or options because they can view these options atany time.

FIG. 1 also depicts a display screen 322 and keyboard 332. The displayscreen 322 serves as a user interface (UI) visually presentinginformation to the user. The trackball 321 and the menu key 606 are partof the input portion. To the right of the trackball 321 is a back key608, which is used to back-up through previous screens or menusdisplayed on the display screen 322.

The initial screen for the device 300 is a home screen 610. Two examplesof a home screen 610 are shown in FIGS. 3 a and 3 b, which showdifferent sets of icons representing various applications 358 that areavailable on the device 300. The user can perform desired high-levelactivities from the home screen 610, and within an application 358explore and access functionality of the selected application 358.

The menu key or button 606 is to the left of the trackball 321 andactivates an extended menu 618 that lists actions likely desirablerelative to the presently displayed screen 610. The menu key or button606 provides a consistent location where the user can look for commands.Each application 358 has its own extended menu 618 consisting ofapplication-specific menus.

Clicking (depressing) the trackball 321 when an icon on the home screen610 is highlighted opens the application 358, preferably to a commonpage used by users. For example, if the email message's icon 612 ishighlighted, then a page listing the messages 616 will open (See FIG. 5a). When not on the home screen 610, but while a page of an application358 is displayed without a menu showing, clicking the trackball 321 isreferred to as an ambiguous selection since several commands may applyin that circumstance. This ambiguous selection will cause a short menu624 to appear on the display screen 322. The short menu 624 contains alist of menu items that are preferably the most commonly used commandsin the present screen context. These short menus 624 again are based onthe interface principle of see and click. The options or menus changeaccording to the task at hand.

The items shown in these short menus 624 preferably are those that auser performs frequently. In other embodiments, the short menu 624 isselected based on either predefined user or programmer preference. Theseshort menus 624 are preferably correctly organized, worded clearly, andbehave correctly in order for the user to understand what options theyshould expect to see, and how to access the additional functionalityspecific to the selected application 358.

In at least one embodiment, the items displayed in the short menu 624are dynamically updated depending upon the user's selection of itemsfrom the extended menu 618 (See FIGS. 5 d and 5 e). As items arerepeatedly selected from the extended menu 618, the menu items areranked and depending upon their frequency of selection will relativelyappear in the short menu 624. The number of items in the short menu 624is preferably between two and ten items. The items displayed in theshort menu 624 can also be user selected in one embodiment.

In another embodiment, the information for the short menu 624 is storedlocally as well as at a central location. The transmission of the shortmenus 624 that are applicable for the particular user is via acommunication system as described below. The information stored at thecentral location allows the user to access that information on multipledevices. This will allow the user to experience identical menus ondifferent devices. This is helpful when a user would like to encounterthe same interface, but uses the devices in different ways. Theinformation alternatively may be stored on a memory card and transferredbetween devices via the memory card.

For purposes of example, in the following disclosure, the use of themenus 618, 624, trackball 321 and keys are discussed relative to the useof an email message application 358.

Initially, the user uses the trackball 321 to scroll to the desiredapplication 358. In this case, it is the email messaging application358. In FIGS. 3 a and 3 b, the email icon 612 (a letter envelope) ishighlighted in a conventional manner, for example, with a frame as shownin FIG. 3 a or with a highlighted background as depicted in FIG. 3 b.Then, the menu key 606 is activated by depressing or “clicking” it,which brings up a high level extended menu 614 as shown in FIG. 4. Thismenu 614 can include the following menu items:

-   -   Compose . . .    -   Search . . .    -   Applications    -   Settings    -   Profile<Normal>    -   BlueTooth On/Off    -   Wireless On/Off    -   Key Lock On/Off    -   Help

For example, clicking on “Compose” would initiate the address bookfunction 352 and allow the user to select an addressee, select the typeof message (email, SMS, IM, etc.) and proceed with the composition of amessage. However, for the present example, the user desires to opentheir email message mailbox and view a list of email messages 616. Inanother embodiment, the menu includes the option “close,” which willclose the menu. Preferably, the option to close the menu is listed nearthe bottom. This enables closing of the menu without requiring the useof an additional key to close the menu.

To do this, the menu key 606 is clicked again and the high levelextended menu 614 for the email messaging application 358 is displayed,as shown in FIG. 4. If the menu item “Open” is not already highlighted,then the trackball 321 is used to scroll to this item such that it ishighlighted. Once the menu item “Open” is highlighted, the trackball 321is clicked. A list of email messages 616 is displayed on the screen 322as shown in FIG. 5 a.

In order to open and read a particular email message, the trackball 321is then used to scroll to the desired email message 619 in the displayedlist causing it to be highlighted. The menu key 606 is clicked and theextended menu 618 is displayed, for example as shown in FIG. 5 b. If themenu item “Open” is not already highlighted, then the trackball 321 isused to scroll to this item such that it is highlighted. Once the menuitem “Open” is highlighted, the trackball 321 is clicked. The desiredmessage 620 is displayed on the display screen 322 as shown in FIG. 5 c.

The user then decides what to do as a result of reading the message. Toperform the next action, the user clicks the menu key 606 and anotherextended menu 618 appears as shown in FIG. 5 e. If not alreadyhighlighted, the user then scrolls to the desired menu item using thetrackball 321 until the desired menu item (action or task) ishighlighted. Then, the user clicks the trackball 321 to activate thedesired action or task.

The use of the short menu 624 usually requires fewer clicks to performthe same action as compared to the use of solely the extended menus 618.For example, the following is an embodiment using the ambiguousselections and/or short menus 624 to open the email messagingapplication 358 and to open a particular email message.

Starting from the home screen or menu 610, the trackball 321 is used toscroll to and highlight the email message icon 612 as shown in FIGS. 3 aand 3 b. Clicking the trackball 321 directly opens the list of messages616 as shown in FIG. 5 a. The trackball 321 is clicked while no menu ispresent and this action is an ambiguous selection since more than oneaction or task is possible. This ambiguous selection while on the homescreen 610 and with the email icon 612 highlighted is treated by thehierarchal menu module 412 as a direction or command to open thehighlighted application 358. In this embodiment, it is believed that theuser is attempting to perform the task of opening the email applicationprogram 358 and the hierarchal menu module 412 is programmedaccordingly. Displaying the list of emails 616, as shown in FIG. 5 a, isthe action or task believed to be the most common desired, and thus tothe user, the procedure appears intuitive. Such ambiguous selection forother application 358 is preferably programmed with the most commondesired task or action for the selected application 358.

In this regard, it is appreciated that opening the email message list616 took two clicks and one scrolling using the extended menus 618,whereas with the ambiguous selection routine of the hierarchal menumodule 412 this was reduced to just a single click.

Now, with the email message list 616 on the display 322, the userscrolls to the desired email message, clicks with the trackball 321, andthe desired open email message 620 is displayed on the screen 322, asshown in FIG. 5 c. Again, there is no menu on the display 322 and theaction is an ambiguous selection since more than one action or task ispossible.

In this regard, it is also appreciated that opening a desired emailmessage took two clicks and possibly a scroll, whereas with theambiguous selection routine of the hierarchal menu module 412, this wasreduced to just a single click.

While the user is viewing the open email message 620 on the displayscreen 322 after having read its contents, the user clicks the trackball321 making another ambiguous selection, again since no menu is on thedisplay screen 322 and more than one action or task is possible. Thisambiguous selection causes the menu program to display a short menu 624,preferably of menu items corresponding to actions or tasks commonlyperformed by users at that point. In this embodiment, a short menu 624is shown in FIG. 5 d, and contains the actions or tasks—“Reply”,“Forward” and “Reply All.” The user then decides which action or task toperform and scrolls to it and clicks the trackball 321. Novice andexperienced users alike benefit from the reduction in informationdisplayed on the short menu 624 through the removal of less commonlyused tasks. The short menu 624, as shown in FIG. 5 d, contains a title“Email Message,” thus providing information about the application 358that is associated with the menu. Likewise, other titles for other menuswould be appropriate at times when menus are displayed in connectionwith other applications 358. In other embodiments, the short menu 624features the menu item “close” in addition to those items describedabove.

Thus, the short menu 624 provides convenient access to the high level,most often-used commands associated with an application 358. The shortmenu 624 that is displayed can also depend on the position of the cursorwithin the displayed page. The short menu 624 can be considered as ashortcut to commands that make sense to the task at hand. In some cases,when on the home screen 610, rather than opening the indicatedapplication 358, a short menu 624 can be displayed with the more commonsubset of actions, tasks or other commands by affecting an ambiguousrequest by clicking on a highlighted application 358 icon on the homescreen 610.

If the desired action or task is not listed on the short menu 624, theuser can click the menu key 606 to view the extended menu 618, such asshown in FIG. 5 e using the exemplary email messaging scenario.Alternatively, the short menu 624 can have a menu item that allows theuser to scroll to and select the item as shown in FIG. 5 d. Once thatmenu item has been selected, then the extended menu 618 replaces theshort menu 624. For example, the short menu 624 in FIG. 5 d has a menuitem “show more” for this purpose. The name of this menu item can be anyother that conveys a similar meaning, such as “Full” or “Extended” or anicon that is used by the device 300 provider and identified in itsliterature to have that meaning. Likewise, the menu key 606 in apreferred embodiment features an icon or the like that is shown next tothe “show more” menu item.

Other applications of short menus 624 are possible as well. Anotherexample of the use of a short menu 624 is when the device 300 featuressoft keys that can be user customized. Since these soft keys are usercustomizable, a short menu 624 can be activated when the soft key isactivated two times without any additional user input and/or within apredefined time period. The short menu 624 would present options tochange the soft key to bring up different program options. The shortmenu 624 likewise could feature the extended menu 618 features and closeoptions mentioned above.

Example methods for implementing an embodiment of a hierarchical menuand ambiguous selection will now be described with primary reference tothe flow diagram of FIG. 6. The methods apply generally to the exemplaryembodiments discussed above with respect to FIGS. 3 a, 3 b, 4, 5 a-5 e.The elements of the described methods may be performed by anyappropriate means including, for example, by hardware logic blocks on anASIC or by the execution of processor-readable instructions defined on aprocessor-readable medium.

A “processor-readable medium,” as used herein, can be any means that cancontain, store, communicate, propagate, or transport instructions foruse or execution by a processor 338. A processor-readable medium can be,without limitation, an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic,infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus, device, or propagationmedium. More specific examples of a processor-readable medium include,among others, an electrical connection (electronic) having one or morewires, a portable computer diskette (magnetic), a random access memory(RAM) (magnetic), a read-only memory (ROM) (magnetic), an erasableprogrammable-read-only memory (EPROM or Flash memory), an optical fiber(optical), a rewritable compact disc (CD-RW) (optical), a portablecompact disc read-only memory (CDROM) (optical), and a solid statestorage device (magnetic; e.g., flash memory).

FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary method 800 for implementing ahierarchical menu with ambiguous selection on a handheld electronicdevice 300, PDA, or other similar device having a small display screen322. The method 800 describes a hierarchical menu process that couldcontinue well beyond the number of submenus that are discussed in themethod itself. Thus, the extent of method 800 is not intended as alimitation. Rather, the extent of method 800 is intended to generallyexpress the manner by which a hierarchical menu with ambiguous selectioncan be implemented in lesser and greater degrees of size and complexity.

Initially, a home screen 802 is displayed on the display screen 322. Theuser scrolls to a particular application using a navigation tool. Theuser can then depress the menu key 606 to initiate a non-ambiguousselection 804 of that particular application 358 that is received by themethod 800. The method 800 then causes the selected application 358 toopen an application 806 and display a page 808 on the display screen322. Alternatively, the user can make an ambiguous selection 810. Forexample, if the navigation tool is a trackball 321 having a depressiblerolling member, the user depresses the rolling member when no menu ispresent. The method 800 receives the ambiguous selection 810 and thenmust determine whether there is a short menu for this application 812.If there is no short menu 624, then the method 800 causes theapplication to open 806 and display a page 808. If there is a short menu624, then the method causes the display of the applications short menu814. The user then scrolls to the desired menu item and depresses therolling member. The method 800 receives a non-ambiguous selection of themenu item 816 and either displays a page or causes the computer toperform the task selected 818.

Once a page is displayed 808, 818, the user again has two choices. Theuser can depress the menu key 606 and the method 800 receives a commandto display an extended menu 820 corresponding to the displayed page. Themethod 800 then displays that extended menu 822. The user then scrollsto a particular menu item and depresses the rolling member which causesthe method 800 to receive a non-ambiguous selection of the menu item824. The method 800 then displays a page or performs the task per theselection 826. Alternatively, the user can depress the rolling memberwith no menu displayed causing an ambiguous selection 828. The method800 receives this ambiguous selection 828 and causes the display of acorresponding short menu 830, or the method 800 can be programmed toperform a particular task that is the most common for the displayed page(not shown in FIG. 6). With the short menu 624 displayed, the user canthen scroll to the desired menu item and depress the rolling member togenerate a non-ambiguous selection. The method 800 receives thenon-ambiguous selection of the menu item 832 and causes the display of apage or performance of a task per the selection 834.

If the user is presented with another displayed page, the user canrepeat steps 820 through 826 or 828 through 834, depending on whetherthe user uses an extended menu 618 or short menu 624, respectively.

Once the particular activity is completed, the user can use the back key608 to navigate back through the various pages displayed until the userreaches a page from which the user can perform another activity orselect another application 358 upon reaching the home screen 802. Thedevice can be equipped with an escape key to go to the home screen 802directly. Alternatively, an ambiguous selection to display a short menuor a non-ambiguous selection can be made to display a short or extendedmenu that has a home screen menu item.

Applications of the short menu 624 described above in relation to emailcan take the form of the several embodiments described hereinbelow. Oneembodiment takes the form of a handheld electronic device 300 that isprogrammed to display, upon user request, an abbreviated menu 624 ofuser-selectable actions 1000 relative to a page on the display screen322 of the device 300. The abbreviated menu 624 addressed in thefollowing embodiment(s) has also been described as a short menu 624, thedetails of which are further explained below. In these regards, auser-selectable action 1000 refers to an action that the user wishes tobe taken relative to the displayed page, for example saving the page.This user-selectable action 1000 can be, for example, indicated by theuser through the actuation of an auxiliary input device 328 such as atrackball 321 or thumbwheel.

Handheld electronic devices 300 are designed to have a user interfacethat accommodates cursor navigation on a particular page inside one ofthe various applications running on the handheld electronic device 300.Some examples of programs 358 that these devices 300 feature include butare not limited to an email program, an address book 352, a taskmanager, a calendar, a memo pad and a browser. Some applications, suchas the task manager, may feature forms that can be filled withinformation entered by the user. Other programs, such as the browser,may display data from a remote source.

In order to navigate the displayed page, an auxiliary user input device328 is provided on the device 300. This auxiliary user input device 328can be a navigation tool including a trackball 321, thumbwheel,navigation pad, cursor keys and the like. These auxiliary user inputdevices 328 allow the user to navigate and make selections/requests.

As a general starting point, a cursor-navigable page is displayed on thedisplay screen 322 of the handheld electronic device by an application358 running on the device 300 and the user initiates an ambiguousrequest corresponding to the displayed page. One exemplarycursor-navigable page is shown in FIG. 7.

In one embodiment, the user of the handheld electronic device 300initiates the ambiguous request through the use of an auxiliary userinput device 328. The auxiliary user input device 328 can be one of thenavigation tools, such as the trackball 321, described above.

As described above, the handheld electronic device 300 contains amicroprocessor 338. This microprocessor 300 has a control program, suchas an operating system 408 for the device 300 associated therewith forcontrolling operation of the handheld electronic device 300. The controlprogram is configured to process an ambiguous request for the display ofmenu options associated with the displayed page based upon detection ofa user menu request. The ambiguous request, as described above, occurswhen there are multiple actions that a user is capable of taking. Thecontrol program can determine whether the request is ambiguous dependingupon cursor position, such as in this case where a cursor is on thescreen-displayed page. An example of detection of a user menu request bythe control program is when the user depresses/actuates the trackball321 thereby indicating a request for a list of menu options.

Once the detection of the user menu request has been made, themicroprocessor 338 displays an abbreviated menu 624 having a short list624 of menu options which is a subset of a full menu 618 of options ofuser-selectable actions 1000 available relative the screen-displayedpage. The user-selectable actions 1000 of the short list 624 of menuoptions are those options that have been assessed to have a higherprobability for being user-selected than at least some of theuser-selectable actions 1000 of the full menu 618 of options that arenot included in the short list 624 of menu options. Thus, the short list624 contains items that a user of the handheld electronic device 300 ismore likely to use than some of the items shown on the full or extendedmenu 618. Further details regarding the selection of those items for ashort menu 624 are provided above.

In at least one embodiment, the short list 624 of menu options that aredisplayed when the user makes the menu request comprises one menu item634 and optionally a full menu item 635. The one menu item 634 is a menuitem that has been assessed as the most likely user desired menu itemfrom the full menu 618. The full menu option 635 allows the user torequest a full or extended menu 618. In another embodiment, the shortlist 624 of menu options consists of one menu item 634 while in yetanother embodiment, full menu 635 is added to this closed listing ofpossible actions. In yet another embodiment, the short list 624 of menuoptions consists of save while in yet another embodiment, full menu 635is added to this closed listing of possible actions

The one menu item 634 as mentioned above is determined based upon theparticular application running on the device 300 and in some embodimentsadditionally based upon cursor position on the cursor-navigable page. Asan example, in a task application 640 once the desired information hasbeen entered into the form presented on the screen 332 the user wouldlike normally like to save the entry. Thus, the one menu item 634 inthis scenario would be ‘save’. Optionally, the ‘full menu’ 635 ispresented as well and enables the user to request the full or extendedmenu 618. Additionally, other single menu items 634 can include paste,close, and open. Like the save and other one menu items they can besupplemented with a full menu option 635. The one menu item aids theuser when performing specific tasks that the user would like to haveadditional feedback from or control over. For example, when the one menuitem is a save item, the user would like some confirmation that thedocument, file, or object was saved. Additionally, when the close itemis the one menu item, the user will be taken to a different program orlocation on the user interface and would like to be informed that suchaction is about to take place.

In at least one embodiment, the short menu 624 is sized so that it fillsa substantial entirety of the display screen 322. In yet anotherembodiment, the short menu 624 is sized so that it overlaps thedisplayed page on the display screen 322. The size of the short menu 624in relation to the display screen 322 can change depending upon the sizeof the display screen 322. When the device 300 is sized as describedbelow, the short menu 624 often fills a large portion of the displayscreen 322. The amount of the display screen 322 that the short menu 624occupies is contemplated to preferably range between 10% and 70%. Othersizes can also enable the user to be used that easily read the menu 624,618 while still being able to see the underlying data displayed on thescreen 322 as well. While in another embodiment, the abbreviated menu624 is displayed on the screen 322 in place of the displayed page.

In order to facilitate entering of text associated with the displayedpage and the like, a keyboard 332 is located below the display screen322 and configured to accommodate textual input to the handheldelectronic device 300. This keyboard 332 can either be a full or reducedkeyboard as described below. Furthermore, a navigation tool in oneembodiment is located essentially between the keyboard 332 and thedisplay screen 322 of the handheld electronic device 300. Thisnavigation tool can be an auxiliary input device 328 including thosementioned above. The navigation tool can further be advantageouslywidthwise centered on the face of the device 300.

Preferably, the handheld electronic device 300 is sized for portableuse. In one embodiment the handheld electronic device 300 is sized to becradled in the palm of the user's hand. The handheld electronic device300 is advantageously sized such that it is longer than wide. Thispreserves the device's 300 cradleability while maintaining surface realestate for such things as the display screen 322 and keyboard 332. In adevelopment of this embodiment, the handheld electronic device 300 issized such that the width of the handheld electronic device 300 measuresbetween approximately two and approximately three inches therebyfacilitating the device 300 being palm cradled. Furthermore, thesedimension requirements may be adapted in order to enable the user toeasily carry the device.

Furthermore, the handheld electronic device 300 in an exemplaryembodiment is capable of communication within a wireless network 319.Thus, the device 300 can be described as a wireless handheldcommunication device 300. A device 300 that is so configured is capableof transmitting data to and from a communication network 319 utilizingradio frequency signals. The wireless communication device 300 can beequipped to send voice signals as well as data information to thewireless network 319. The wireless communication device 300 is capableof transmitting textual data as well as other data including but notlimited to graphical data, electronic files, and software.

Yet another embodiment takes the form of a method for causing, upon userrequest, the display of an abbreviated menu 624 having a short list ofmenu items on a display screen 322 of the handheld electronic device 300when a currently running application 358 is presented on the displayscreen 322 of the device 300 as depicted in FIG. 8. First, the methodincludes running an application on a handheld electronic device andthereby causing display of a cursor-navigable page (block 852). Next,the method further involves initiating an ambiguous request for displayof menu options corresponding to the displayed page (block 854).Furthermore, the method involves displaying an abbreviated menu having ashort list of menu options (block 856). This short menu 624 as describedabove includes those options that have been assessed a higherprobability for being user-selected than at least some of theuser-selectable actions of the full menu 618. Thus, the short list 624of menu options is a subset of a full menu 618 of options ofuser-selectable actions available relative to the displayed text entrypage and the user selectable actions of the short list 624 of menuoptions having been assessed a higher probability for beinguser-selected than at least some of the user-selectable actions of thefull menu 618 of options that are not included in the short list 624 ofmenu options.

In one embodiment, the short list includes one item 634 and optionally afull menu item 635. Then a determination is made whether the abbreviatedmenu provides options needed by the user (block 858). If the optionsneeded by the user are not displayed then a full (long) menu havingadditional options is displayed (block 860). Once the appropriate menuoptions are displayed (block 858, 860), the user chooses the desiredoption (block 862).

In another embodiment, the short list 624 of the method consists of oneitem 634. In another example, the closed group further includes a fullmenu item 635, for expanding the listing of available action. In yetanother embodiment, the short list 624 of the method consists of saveand a full menu item 635.

In other embodiments, the method for causing display of a short menu 624also includes the various features described above in relation to thehandheld electronic device 300 embodiments. These various featuresinclude dimensional options, communication options, auxiliary inputoptions and short menu 624 sizing as described above in relation to thehandheld electronic device 300 embodiment.

Still another embodiment takes the form of a processing subsystemconfigured to be installed in a mobile communication device 300comprising a user interface including a display 322 and a keyboard 332having a plurality of input keys with which letters are associated. Theprocessing subsystem serves as an operating system 408 for theincorporating device 300. The processing subsystem preferably includes amicroprocessor 338 and a media storage device connected with othersystems and subsystems of the device 300. The microprocessor 338 can beany integrated circuit or the like that is capable of performingcomputational or control tasks. The media storage device can exemplarilyinclude a flash memory, a hard drive, a floppy disk, RAM 326, ROM, andother similar storage media.

As stated above, the operating system 408 software controls operation ofthe incorporating mobile communication device 300. The operating system408 software is programmed to control operation of the handheldelectronic device 300 and the operating system 408 software isconfigured to process an ambiguous request for display of menu optionsof user-selectable actions 1000 relevant to a currently runningapplication 358 on the device 300 based upon detection of a user menurequest. Based on the detection of the user menu request, themicroprocessor 338 displays an abbreviated menu 624 having a short list624 of menu options which is a subset of a full menu 618 of options ofuser-selectable actions 1000 of the short list 624 of menu options. Theshort list 624 of menu options have been assessed a higher probabilityfor being user-selected than at least some of the user-selectableactions 1000 of the full menu 618 of options that are not included inthe short list 624 of menu options.

In other embodiments, the processing subsystem also includes the variousfeatures described above in relation to the handheld device 300embodiments. These various features include dimensional options,communication options, auxiliary input options and short menu sizing asdescribed above in relation to the handheld electronic device 300embodiment. Additionally, the options available from the short menu 624are the same as those described above in relation to the method andhandheld device 300 embodiments.

As intimated hereinabove, one of the more important aspects of thehandheld electronic device 300 to which this disclosure is directed isits size. While some users will grasp the device 300 in both hands, itis intended that a predominance of users will cradle the device 300 inone hand in such a manner that input and control over the device 300 canbe affected using the thumb of the same hand in which the device 300 isheld, however it is appreciated that additional control can be effectedby using both hands. As a handheld device 300 that is easy to grasp anddesirably pocketable, the size of the device 300 must be kept relativelysmall. Of the device's dimensions, limiting its width is important forthe purpose of assuring cradleability in a user's hand. Moreover, it ispreferred that the width of the device 300 be maintained at less thanten centimeters (approximately four inches). Keeping the device 300within these dimensional limits provides a hand cradleable unit thatusers prefer for its usability and portability. Limitations with respectto the height (length) of the device 300 are less stringent whenconsidering hand-cradleability. Therefore, in order to gain greatersize, the device 300 can be advantageously configured so that its heightis greater than its width, but still remain easily supported andoperated in one hand.

A potential problem is presented by the small size of the device 300 inthat there is limited exterior surface area for the inclusion of userinput and device output features. This is especially true for the “primereal estate” on the front face of the device 300, where it is mostadvantageous to include a display screen 322 that outputs information tothe user. The display screen 322 is preferably located above a keyboardthat is utilized for data entry into the device 300 by the user. If thescreen 322 is provided below the keyboard 332, a problem occurs in thatviewing the screen 322 is inhibited when the user is inputting datausing the keyboard 332. Therefore it is preferred that the displayscreen 322 be above the input area, thereby solving the problem byassuring that the hands and fingers do not block the view of the screen332 during data entry periods.

To facilitate textual data entry into the device 300, an alphabetickeyboard is provided. In one version, a full alphabetic keyboard 332 isutilized in which there is one key per letter. In this regard, theassociated letters can be advantageously organized in QWERTY, QWERTZ,AZERTY or Dvorak layouts, among others, thereby capitalizing on certainusers' familiarity with these special letter orders. In order to staywithin the bounds of the limited front surface area, however, each ofthe keys must be commensurately small when, for example, twenty-six keysmust be provided in the instance of the English language.

An alternative configuration is to provide a reduced keyboard in whichat least some of the keys have more than one letter associated therewith(see FIG. 1 for an example). This means that fewer keys are requiredwhich makes it possible for those fewer keys to each be larger than inthe instance when a full keyboard is provided on a similarly dimensioneddevice. Some users will prefer the solution of the larger keys over thesmaller ones, but it is necessary that software or hardware solutions beprovided in order to discriminate which of the several associatedletters the user intends based on a particular key actuation, a problemthe full keyboard avoids.

Preferably, the character discrimination is accomplished utilizingdisambiguation software included on the device 300. To accommodatesoftware use on the device 300, a memory 324 and microprocessor 338 areprovided within the body of the handheld unit for receiving, storing,processing, and outputting data during use. Therefore, the problem ofneeding a textual data input means is solved by the provision of eithera full or reduced alphabetic keyboard 332 on the presently disclosedhandheld electronic device 300. It should be further appreciated thatthe keyboard 332 can be alternatively provided on a touch sensitivescreen in either a reduced or full format.

Keys, typically of a push-button or touchpad nature, perform well asdata entry devices but present problems to the user when they must alsobe used to affect navigational control over a screen-cursor. In order tosolve this problem, the present handheld electronic device 300preferably includes an auxiliary input that acts as a cursornavigational tool and which is also exteriorly located upon the frontface of the device 300. Its front face location is particularlyadvantageous because it makes the tool easily thumb-actuable like thekeys of the keyboard. In a particularly useful embodiment, thenavigational tool is a trackball 321 which is easily utilized toinstruct two-dimensional screen cursor movement in substantially anydirection, as well as act as an actuator when the ball of the trackball321 is depressed like a button. The placement of the trackball 321 ispreferably above the keyboard 332 and below the display screen 322;here, it avoids interference during keyboarding and does not block theuser's view of the display screen 322 during use (See FIG. 1).

In some configurations, the handheld electronic device 300 may bestandalone in that it does not connect to the “outside world.” Asdiscussed before, one example would be a PDA that stores such things ascalendars and contact information but is not capable of synchronizing orcommunicating with other devices. In most situations such isolation willbe viewed detrimentally in that synchronization is a highly desiredcharacteristic of handheld devices today. Moreover, the utility of thedevice 300 is significantly enhanced when connectable within acommunication system, and particularly when connectable on a wirelessbasis in a network 319 in which voice, text messaging, and other datatransfer are accommodated.

As shown in FIG. 1, the handheld electronic device 300 is cradleable inthe palm of a user's hand. The handheld device 300 is provided with akeyboard 332 to enter text data and place telephone calls and a displayscreen 322 for communicating information to the user. A connect/send key605 is preferably provided to aid in the placement of a phone call.Additionally, a disconnect/end key 609 is provided. The send key 605 andend key 609 preferably are arranged in a row of keys including aauxiliary input device 328. Additionally, the row of keys, including thenavigation tool, preferably has a menu key 606 and a back key or escapekey 608. The menu key 606 is used to bring up a menu and the escape key608 is used to return to the previous screen or previous menu selection.

The handheld electronic device 300 includes an input portion 604 and anoutput display portion. The output display portion can be a displayscreen 322, such as an LCD or other similar display device.

The keyboard 332 includes a plurality of keys that can be of a physicalnature such as actuable buttons or they can be of a software nature,typically constituted by virtual representations of physical keys on adisplay screen 322 (referred to herein as “software keys”). It is alsocontemplated that the user input can be provided as a combination of thetwo types of keys. Each key of the plurality of keys has at least oneactuable action which can be the input of a character, a command or afunction. In this context, “characters” are contemplated to exemplarilyinclude alphabetic letters, language symbols, numbers, punctuation,insignias, icons, pictures, and even a blank space. Input commands andfunctions can include such things as delete, backspace, moving a cursorup, down, left or right, initiating an arithmetic function or command,initiating a command or function specific to an application program orfeature in use, initiating a command or function programmed by the userand other such commands and functions that are well known to thosepersons skilled in the art. Specific keys or other types of inputdevices can be used to navigate through the various applications andfeatures thereof. Further, depending on the application 358 or featurein use, specific keys can be enabled or disabled.

In the case of physical keys, all or a portion of the plurality of keyshave one or more indicia, representing character(s), command(s), and/orfunctions(s), displayed at their top surface and/or on the surface ofthe area adjacent the respective key. In the instance where the indiciaof a key's function is provided adjacent the key, the indicia can beprinted on the device cover beside the key, or in the instance of keyslocated adjacent the display screen 322. Additionally, current indiciafor the key may be temporarily shown nearby the key on the screen 322.

In the case of software keys, the indicia for the respective keys areshown on the display screen 322, which in one embodiment is enabled bytouching the display screen 322, for example, with a stylus to generatethe character or activate the indicated command or function. Someexamples of display screens 322 capable of detecting a touch includeresistive, capacitive, projected capacitive, infrared and surfaceacoustic wave (SAWN) touchscreens.

Physical and software keys can be combined in many different ways asappreciated by those skilled in the art. In one embodiment, physical andsoftware keys are combined such that the plurality of enabled keys for aparticular application or feature of the handheld electronic device 300is shown on the display screen 322 in the same configuration as thephysical keys. Using this configuration, the user can select theappropriate physical key corresponding to what is shown on the displayscreen 322. Thus, the desired character, command or function is obtainedby depressing the physical key corresponding to the character, commandor function displayed at a corresponding position on the display screen322, rather than touching the display screen 322.

The various characters, commands and functions associated with keyboardtyping in general are traditionally arranged using various conventions.The most common of these in the United States, for instance, is theQWERTY keyboard layout. Others include the QWERTZ, AZERTY, and Dvorakkeyboard configurations. The QWERTY keyboard layout is the standardEnglish-language alphabetic key arrangement 44 a shown in FIG. 9 a. TheQWERTZ keyboard layout is normally used in German-speaking regions; thisalphabetic key arrangement 44 b is shown in FIG. 9 b. The AZERTYkeyboard layout 44 c is normally used in French-speaking regions and isshown in FIG. 9 c. The Dvorak keyboard layout was designed to allowtypists to type faster; this alphabetic key arrangement 44 d is shown inFIG. 9 d.

Alphabetic key arrangements are often presented along with numeric keyarrangements. Typically, the numbers 1-9 and 0 are positioned in the rowabove the alphabetic keys 44, as shown in FIG. 9 a-d. Alternatively, thenumbers share keys with the alphabetic characters, such as the top rowof the QWERTY keyboard. Yet another exemplary numeric key arrangement isshown in FIG. 10, where a “ten-key” style numeric keypad 46 is providedon a separate set of keys that is spaced from the alphabetic/numeric keyarrangement 44. The ten-key styled numeric keypad 46 includes thenumbers “7”, “8”, “9” arranged in a top row, “4”, “5”, “6” arranged in asecond row, “1”, “2”, “3” arranged in a third row, and “0” in a bottomrow. Further, a numeric phone key arrangement 42 is exemplarilyillustrated in FIG. 11.

As shown in FIG. 11, the numeric phone key arrangement 42 may alsoutilize a surface treatment on the surface of the center “5” key. Thissurface treatment is configured such that the top surface of the key isdistinctive from the surface of other keys. Preferably the surfacetreatment is in the form of a raised bump or recessed dimple 43.Alternatively, raised bumps may be positioned on the housing around the“5” key and do not necessarily have to be positioned directly on thekey.

It is desirable for handheld electronic devices 300 to include acombined text-entry keyboard and a telephony keyboard. Examples of suchmobile communication devices 300 include mobile stations, cellulartelephones, wireless personal digital assistants (PDAs), two-way pagingdevices, and others. Various keyboards are used with such devices andcan be termed a full keyboard, a reduced keyboard, or phone key pad.

In embodiments of a handheld electronic device 300 having a fullkeyboard, the alphabetic characters are singly associated with theplurality of physical keys. Thus, in an English-language keyboard ofthis configuration, there are at least 26 keys in the plurality so thatthere is at least one key for each letter.

FIGS. 11 and 12 both feature numeric keys arranged according to the ITUStandard E.161 form. In addition, FIG. 12 also incorporates alphabeticcharacters according to the ITU Standard E.161 layout as well.

As intimated above, in order to further reduce the size of a handheldelectronic device 300 without making the physical keys or software keystoo small, some handheld electronic devices 300 use a reduced keyboard,where more than one character/command/function is associated with eachof at least a portion of the plurality of keys. This results in certainkeys being ambiguous since more than one character is represented by orassociated with the key, even though only one of those characters istypically intended by the user when activating the key.

Thus, certain software usually runs on the processor 338 of these typesof handheld electronic devices 300 to determine or predict what letteror word has been intended by the user. Some examples of software includepredictive text routines which typically include a disambiguation engineand/or predictive editor application. The software preferably also hasthe ability to recognize character letter sequences that are common tothe particular language, such as, in the case of English, words endingin “ing.” Such systems can also “learn” the typing style of the usermaking note of frequently used words to increase the predictive aspectof the software. Other types of predictive text computer programs may beutilized with the reduced keyboard arrangements described herein,without limitation. Some specific examples include the multi-tap methodof character selection and “text on nine keys”.

The keys of reduced keyboards are laid out with various arrangements ofcharacters, commands and functions associated therewith. In regards toalphabetic characters, the different keyboard layouts identified aboveare selectively used based on a user's preference and familiarity; forexample, the QWERTY keyboard layout is most often used by Englishspeakers who have become accustomed to the key arrangement.

FIG. 1 shows a handheld electronic device 300 that carries an example ofa reduced keyboard using the QWERTY keyboard layout on a physicalkeyboard array of twenty keys comprising five columns and four rows.Fourteen keys are used for alphabetic characters and ten keys are usedfor numbers. Nine of the ten numbers share a key with alphabeticcharacters. The “space” key and the number “0” share the same key, whichis centered on the device and centered below the remainder of thenumbers on the keyboard 332. While in other embodiments, the number “0”may be located on other keys. Many of the keys have different sizes thanthe other keys, and the rows are non-linear. In particular, the keys inthe middle column 64 are wider than keys in the outer columns 60, 62, 66and 68. To readily identify the phone user interface (the second userinterface), the numeric phone keys 0-9 include a color scheme that isdifferent from that of the remaining keys associated with the QWERTY keyarrangement. As exemplified in FIG. 1, a color scheme of the numericphone keys has a two tone appearance, with the upper portion of thenumeric keys being a first color and the lower portion of the numerickeys being a second color. The first color may be lighter than thesecond color, or darker than the second color.

Another embodiment of a reduced alphabetic keyboard is found on astandard phone keypad 42. Most handheld electronic devices 300 having aphone key pad 42 also typically include alphabetic key arrangementsoverlaying or coinciding with the numeric keys as shown in FIG. 12. Suchalphanumeric phone keypads are used in many, if not most, traditionalhandheld telephony mobile communication devices such as cellularhandsets.

As described above, the International Telecommunications Union (“ITU”)has established phone standards for the arrangement of alphanumerickeys. The standard phone numeric key arrangement shown in FIGS. 11 (noalphabetic letters) and 12 (with alphabetic letters) corresponds to ITUStandard E.161, entitled “Arangement of Digits, Letters, and Symbols onTelephones and Other Devices That Can Be Used for Gaining Access to aTelephone Network.” This standard is also known as ANSI TI.703-1995/1999and ISO/IEC 9995-8:1994. Regarding the numeric arrangement, it can beaptly described as a top-to-bottom ascending orderthree-by-three-over-zero pattern.

While several keyboard layouts have been described above, alternativelayouts integrating the navigation tool into the keyboard are presentedbelow. The key arrangements and mobile devices described herein areexamples of a conveniently sized multidirectional navigational input keythat is integrated with an alphanumeric key layout. The examplemultidirectional navigational input keys can be used in a navigationmode to move, for example, a cursor or a scroll bar. In an alphabetic ornumeric mode, it can be used to enter numbers or letters. This dualfeature allows for fewer and larger keys to be disposed on the keyboardwhile providing for a QWERTY, reduced QWERTY, QWERTZ, Dvorak, or AZERTYkey layout and navigational input. These familiar keyboard layouts allowusers to type more intuitively and quickly than, for example, on thestandard alphabetic layout on a telephone pad. By utilizing fewer keys,the keys can be made larger and therefore more convenient to the user.

In some examples, keys in the middle columns are larger than keys in theouter columns to prevent finger overlap on the interior keys. As usedherein, middle columns are all columns that are not on the outside leftand right sides. The term “middle column” is not limited to the centercolumn. It is easier for a user to press keys on the outer columnswithout their finger overlapping an adjacent key. This is because partof the user's thumb or finger can overlap the outside housing of thedevice, rather than other keys. Therefore, these outer column keys canbe made smaller. The multidirectional navigational input device isprovided in the center of the keypad and has a larger surface than theoutside keys. The larger surface in the inner part of the keyboard helpsprevent finger overlap.

In another example, a touchpad or rotatable rim is disposed about theperiphery of the example multidirectional navigational input key. Therim or touchpad can be used as a secondary navigational device that actsin conjunction with the multidirectional navigational key. For example,the rim or touchpad could provide a third dimension of navigationalinput (with the multidirectional navigational input key providing firstand second dimensions). The rim or touchpad can also function as astand-alone, one or two dimensional, navigational input device.

With reference now to the drawings, FIGS. 16-22 depict numerous keyarrangements for a keyboard. FIGS. 16-19, and 21 depict an example keyarrangement on a mobile communication device while FIGS. 20 and 22depict example key arrangements.

FIG. 16 depicts the front face of an example mobile device 110 with anexample key arrangement 120. The mobile device 110 also includes ahousing 111 and a display screen 113. The keys 121-136 are arranged infive columns 141-145 and four rows. The first and last columns 141, 145have keys in each row. The second and fourth columns 142, 144, which aremiddle columns, have keys in three rows, with no keys present in thesecond row where the multidirectional navigational input key 120 has itsgreatest width. The keys in the second and fourth columns 142, 144 arechamfered or have an arcuate concavity on the side facing themultidirectional navigational input key 121 so that they can be locatedclosely to the circular multidirectional navigational input key 121 andhave a maximized key size. The center column 143, which is also a middlecolumn, includes the multidirectional navigational input key 121, and aspace bar 129 centered beneath it.

The alphabetic key layout is of a reduced column QWERTY type and isoverlaid on the keys 121-124, 126-127, 130-131, and 133-134. Themultidirectional navigational input key 121 is integrated into thelayout. In this example, the upper, left, center, right, and lower areasof the multidirectional navigational input key 121 are labeledrespectively with the alphabetic indicia “TY,” “DF,” “GH,” “JK,” and“BN.” The remaining keys 125, 128, 132, 135, 136 have various functions,such as “alt,” “next,” “cap,” “delete,” and “enter.”

A numeric phone pad key layout is also overlaid on the three middlecolumns 142-144. Numbers “2,” “4,” “5,” “6,” and “8” are disposed,respectively, on the upper, left, center, right, and lower areas of themultidirectional navigational input key 121. The remaining numbers (“1,”“3,” “7,” and “9”) and symbols (# and *) are disposed on the other keys126-132 of the middle columns 142-144 in a manner consistent with thetelephony keypad layout.

One of the keys, such as the “alt” key 125 in the bottom row of thefirst column 141 can be used to toggle between navigation, alphabetic,and numeric entry modes. In a navigation mode the multidirectionalnavigational input key 121 is operable to move a cursor or scroll bar ina graphical user interface display on the display screen 113. Forexample, pressing on a right side of the multidirectional navigationalinput key 121 will move a cursor to the right, and pressing on thebottom portion of the multidirectional navigational input key 121 willmove the cursor down. The center portion of the multidirectionalnavigational input key 121 is a select key in this mode. Pressing thecenter area of the multidirectional navigational input key 120 triggersa selection. This is similar to a mouse “click.” In alphabetic mode, themultidirectional navigational input key 121 is operable to input thealphabetic characters that are indicated on each area. For example,pressing a side surface of the multidirectional navigational input key121 will enter the character “D” or “F” depending on the predictive textrecognition or manual selection.

FIG. 17 depicts the front face of another example mobile device 150 withan example key arrangement 160. The mobile device 150 also has a housing151 and a display screen 153. The multidirectional navigational inputkey 169 is located approximately in the middle of keys 161-164 (on theleft side) and 165-168 (on the right side). Other keys 170-174 are alsolocated on the front of the housing 151 on a bottom row beneath the keys161-168. Keys 172 and 173 have a chamfered corner or an arcuateconcavity on the side facing the multidirectional navigational input key169 so that they will fit closer to the circular multidirectionalnavigational input key 169. Key 170 is located above the keys 167 and168.

The alphabetic key layout is of a reduced-row QWERTY type and isoverlaid on the keys 161-169. Two sides of the multidirectionalnavigational input key 169 are integrated into the reduced-row QWERTYlayout. Each key 161-164 and 165-168 and the left and right sides of themultidirectional navigational input key 169 are associated with one ofthe ten columns of letters in a QWERTY keyboard layout. Starting withkey 161, which is associated with the letters “QA,” keys 161-164 aresuccessively associated with the next column of the QWERTY keyboard. Theleft side of the multidirectional navigational input key 169 isassociated with the letters “TGV” and the fight side of themultidirectional navigational input key 169 is associated with the keys“YHB.” Keys 165-168 are also successively associated with the remainingcolumns of the QWERTY keyboard. Keys 161 and 167 are only associatedwith two letters each, and key 168 is only associated with one letter.Accordingly, these keys are shorter in height than the other keys thathave three letters associated with them. This shortened height providesat least two benefits: (1) a user may more easily select the keyslabeled 163, 166, and 167, without accidentally depressing an unwantedkey, because part of these keys have an adjacent space that is notoccupied by another key; and (2) because these keys 161, 167, and 168have a different shape from the other alphabetic entry keys 162-167,they may be more easily discernable by touch.

The multidirectional navigational input key 169 also has other areasthat are utilized in alphabetic mode. The bottom portion is associatedwith a space bar function; the top function is associated with an“escape” function; and the center portion is associated with a selectfunction. The center area of the multidirectional navigational input key169 is labeled “select,” to denote that it has select function asdescribed above. In other embodiments, the select key can be replaced bya trackball that functions as a select key as well as a navigationdevice. This trackball would present an alternative navigation tool thatcould be used to direct cursor navigation on the screen as well as makeselections. The other select functions described below could beimplemented using a key or trackball. The remaining keys 170-175 havevarious functions, such as “alt,” “next,” “delete,” and “enter.” Themultidirectional navigational input key 169 operates in an alphabeticand navigational mode as described above.

FIG. 18 depicts yet another example mobile device 210 that is similar tothe example mobile device 110 and key arrangement 120 of FIG. 16. Thethird example mobile device 210 differs in that the housing 211 is widerand the key arrangement 220 has two additional middle columns 252 and256 that each contain three additional keys 226-228 and 236-238. The keylayout, which includes columns 251-257, is still a reduced column QWERTYkeyboard but is different in that fewer keys have two letters and morekeys have single letters. This example key arrangement 220 requires morespace than the first example key arrangement 120, but provides more keysthat are devoted to a single letter. This increases the performance ofthe alphabetic input through the predictive text system, or,alternatively, decreases the number of times a user would have tomanually press a key twice to input the second associated key, dependingon which mode the device is in.

The multidirectional navigational input key 221 in the third exampledevice 210 only uses the left and right side portions for text entry.The top and bottom portions are used only for up and down navigationalinput in both modes. This allows the user to be able to navigate acursor up and down or scroll up and down in a graphical user interfacewhile remaining in the alphabetic entry mode. This example keyarrangement 220 could be used in conjunction with anotherone-dimensional input device, e.g. a thumbwheel, to obtain twodimensional cursor movement while in the alphabetic entry mode.

FIG. 19 depicts still another example mobile device 410 with a keyarrangement 420. The multidirectional navigational key 421 is situatedin the center column 445 between two columns on each side 441-442,443-444, and an extra key in the first row from the top on each side430, 432. The four columns located to the left and right sides of themultidirectional navigational key 421 angle inwardly toward the bottomof the middle column 445. Stated another way, the columns on the leftside are diagonally oriented so that the keys in each row are further tothe left than the keys in lower rows in the same column, and the columnson the right side are diagonally oriented so that the keys in each roware further to the right than the keys in lower rows in the same column.The keys in the first and last columns 441, 444 are positioned near thesides of the housing face 411. The angled inward design simulates thatof a standard QWERTY keyboard, thereby enhancing user familiarity withthe keyboard. It also provides a better ergonomic positioning for thethumbs to access the keys, as it is generally more difficult for a userto reach the lower corners of a key arrangement that is on a hand-helddevice and is thumb activated. All the keys 422-440 are round except forthe space bar 431.

The alphabetic key layout is a reduced column QWERTY type and isoverlaid on the keys 421-424, 426-428, 430, 432-435, 437, and 438. Themultidirectional navigational input key 421 is integrated into thelayout. In this example, the upper, left, right, and lower areas of themultidirectional navigational input key 421 are respectively labeledwith the alphabetic indicia “T.” “FG,” “HJ,” and “BN.” The center areaof the multidirectional navigational input key 421 is labeled “Select,”to denote that it has the select function as described above. A spacebar 431 is centered underneath the multidirectional navigational inputkey 421 in the middle column 445. The remaining keys 425, 429, 436, 439,440 have various functions, such as “alt,” “next,” “delete,” and“enter.” The multidirectional navigational input key 421 operates in analphabetic and navigational mode as described above.

FIG. 20 depicts yet another example key arrangement 450 that is overlaidwith a modified full-QWERTY layout. The layout is a full QWERTY becausethere is a separate key or surface of a key for each letter of thealphabet. In this example key arrangement 450 there are nine columns491-499 with two or more keys, and two extra keys 466, 468 in the upperrow to the left and right side of the multidirectional navigationalinput key 451. Twenty-three of these keys are used for alphabetic input451-457, 459-461, 463-466, 468-474, 476-477. The multidirectionalnavigational input key 451 is approximately centered in the middle ofthe key arrangement 450. There are four key surfaces on the left, right,upper, and lower areas of the multidirectional navigational input key451. These surfaces may be indentations, protrusions, or flat. Thisbrings the total number of keys or key surfaces that are used foralphabetic input to twenty-six. A fifth key surface is also present inthe center of the multidirectional navigational input key 451, and isused for a select function in this example. The six keys 464, 465, 466,468, 470, 471 to the left and right of the multidirectional navigationalinput key 451 are chamfered or have an arcuate concavity on the sidefacing the multidirectional navigational input key 451 so that they canbe located closely to the circular multidirectional navigational inputkey 451 and maximize key size.

The keys in the first and last columns 491, 499 are positioned near theleft and right side of the key arrangement 450. The first and lastcolumns 491, 499 have keys that are smaller in width than the keys inthe middle columns 492-498 and the two extra keys 466, 468. This keyarrangement 450 is designed so that the first and last columns 491, 499of the key arrangement 450 are positioned near the sides of a device,such that the user's thumbs or fingers will more easily contact thesmaller peripheral keys. Because the outer column keys are smaller, thekeys in the middle columns 492-498 may be made larger. This isparticularly beneficial for a keyboard for a device with sizeconstraints. The eight columns located to the left and right sides ofthe multidirectional navigational key 451 angle inwardly toward thebottom of the middle column 451. Stated another way, the columns on theleft side are diagonally oriented so that the keys in each row arefurther to the left than the keys in lower rows in the same column, andthe columns on the right side are diagonally oriented so that the keysin each row are further to the right than the keys in lower rows in thesame column. This provides the same benefit discussed above in thedescription of FIG. 19.

The alphabetic key layout is of a full QWERTY type and is overlaid onthe keys 451-457, 459-461, 463-466, 468-474, 476-477. Themultidirectional navigational input key 451 is integrated into thelayout. In this example, the upper, left, right, and lower areas of themultidirectional navigational input key 451 are respectively labeledwith the alphabetic indicia “Y,” “G,” “H,” and “B.” The center area ofthe multidirectional navigational input key 421 is labeled “Select,” todenote that it has a select function as described above. A space bar iscentered underneath the multidirectional navigational input key 451 inthe center column 495. The remaining keys 458, 462, 467, 475, 478-482have various functions, such as “alt,” “next,” “delete,” and “enter.”The multidirectional navigational input key 451 operates in analphabetic and navigational mode as described above.

FIG. 21 depicts another example mobile device 510 having an example keyarrangement 520. The key arrangement 520 and reduced column QWERTYlayout are similar to that of the example mobile device 210 and keyarrangement 220 depicted in FIG. 18, however, the example mobile device510 and key arrangement 520 has a raised rotatable rim 505 disposedabout the periphery of the multidirectional navigational input key 521.The surface of the rim 505 is enhanced to provide a gripping surface fora thumb or finger. In this example there are indentations spacedperiodically about the rim. Other examples may instead have protrusionsor a rubbery surface to better enable the user's thumb or finger to gripthe rim and rotate it. Other gripping surfaces are also possible. Therim 505 can freely rotate in 360 degrees, and in some examples it can bedepressible. The rim 505 may be coupled to the multidirectionalnavigational input key 521 or may instead be coupled to the housing 511.The rim 505 can be rotatable independently of the multidirectionalnavigational input key 521. The rim 505 can be very thin to minimize thespace it occupies on the face of the housing 511, or it can be thickerto provide an optimal gripping surface.

The rotatable rim 505 functions as either a stand-alone, two-dimensionalinput device, a stand-alone, single-dimensional input device, or asupplemental device for inputting a third navigational input. The usercan select which way they want the rim 505 to function or it can befactory preset to only one mode.

As a stand-alone navigation device, the rim 505 is operable to inputone- or two-dimensional navigation signals to the processor. Forexample, in a single-dimension mode, rotating the rim 505 moves a cursoror scroll bar up or down in a graphical user interface. For example,rotating the rim 505 in the clockwise direction would scroll the pagedown, and rotating it counter-clockwise would scroll the page up.

In a two-dimensional mode, pressing the rim 505 down at a certainlocation would move a cursor in the same direction on the graphical userinterface. Stated another way, pressing the rotatable rim at a locationrelative to the center of the rim causes a corresponding navigationalinput relative to the center of the graphical user interface. Forexample, pressing the rim 505 on the left side would move the cursorleft. The rim 505 could be rotated while pressed down to a differentlocation and the cursor would change its movement accordingly. Forexample, if while pressing down on the rim 505, the user rotates the rim505 from the left side to the upper side of the rim 505, this wouldcause the cursor to go from moving left, to diagonally left and up, tostraight up on the graphical user interface. This operational mode couldalso be used to control one or two scroll bars, among other navigationaldevices.

The rotatable rim 505 could also be used in conjunction with themultidirectional navigational input key 521 to provide a thirdnavigation dimension. For example, the rim 505 could operate to move ascroll bar, like a finger-wheel on a mouse. Rotating the rim 505counter-clockwise would move the scroll bar up, and rotating the rim 505clockwise would move the scroll bar down, or vice-versa. Otherapplications running on an electronic device with a graphical userinterface could also benefit from using the rim 505 to navigate in athird-dimension. For example, the rotatable rim 505 could beneficiallyprovide a third dimensional input in a three-dimensional graph or game.

FIG. 22 depicts still another example key arrangement 720 that isoverlaid with a reduced column QWERTY layout. There are four columns741, 742, 744, and 745 with four keys, a center column with themultidirectional navigational input key 721 and space bar 731, and twoextra keys 730, 732 in the upper row to the left and right side of themultidirectional navigational input key 721. The four columns 741, 742,744, and 745 are angled toward the bottom part of the center column 743.Stated another way, the columns on the left side are diagonally orientedso that the keys in each row are further to the left than the keys inlower rows in the same column, and the columns on the right side arediagonally oriented so that the keys in each row are further to theright than the keys in lower rows in the same column. This angledarrangement imparts the benefits described above in reference to the keyarrangement 420 of FIG. 19.

The keys in the middle columns 742-744 and the extra keys 730, 732 arealso larger in total front surface area than the keys in the outercolumns 741, 745. This imparts the benefits described above in referenceto the key arrangement 450 of FIG. 20. The six keys surrounding themultidirectional navigational input key 721 have an arcuate concavity onthe side facing the multidirectional navigational input key 721 so thatthey can be located closely to the circular multidirectionalnavigational input key 721 and maximize key size. A circular touchpad705 is disposed around the periphery of the multidirectionalnavigational input key 721 and is described in detail below.

A reduced column QWERTY layout is overlaid on the example keyarrangement 720. The multidirectional navigational input key 721 isintegrated into the QWERTY layout along with the other alphabetic entrykeys 722-724, 726-728, 730, 732-735, 737-739. Three keys 722, 723, 724are associated with two letters in the first column 741. One key 737 inthe first row of the last column 745 is associated with two letters. Themultidirectional navigational input key 721 has five labeled areas. Theupper, left, right, and lower areas of the multidirectional navigationalinput key 721 are associated with the letters “TY,” “FG,” “HJ,” and “B.”A center area of the multidirectional navigational input key 721 islabeled “Select,” to denote that it has the select function describedabove. The space bar 731 is centered beneath the multidirectionalnavigational input key 721. The remaining keys on the bottom row 725,729, 736, 740 have various functions, such as “alt,” “next,” “delete,”and “enter.” The multidirectional navigational input key 721 operates inan alphabetic and navigational mode as described above.

In this example key arrangement 720, the circular touchpad 705 isdisposed around the periphery of the multidirectional input key 721.When the example key arrangement 720 is employed in an electronicdevice, the touchpad 705 is configured to detected a finger touch on thetouchpad 705, and correspondingly input a navigational signal to aprocessor to move a cursor, scroll bar, or some other navigationaldevice on a graphical user interface. The circular touchpad 705 operatesin much the same way as the rotatable rim 505 described above: it can beused as a stand-alone navigation device to provide single- ortwo-dimensional input to the processor, or it can be used in conjunctionwith the multidirectional navigational input key 721. A user can selectwhich of these operational modes they desire the touchpad 705 to operatein, or it can be factory preset to operate in only one mode.

For an example of a single-dimensional input, the touchpad 705 may beconfigured to cause a cursor or scroll bar to move up and down agraphical user interface when a user brushes their finger or thumbacross the touchpad 705.

In a two-dimensional mode, pressing the touchpad 705 at a certainlocation would move a cursor in the same direction on the graphical userinterface. Stated another way, pressing the touchpad at a locationrelative to the center of the touchpad causes a correspondingnavigational input relative to the center of the graphical userinterface. For example, pressing the touchpad 705 on the left side wouldmove the cursor left. The user could move their finger or thumb alongthe circular touchpad 705, and this would change the navigationalmovement accordingly. For example, if the user touches the touchpad 705on the left side and moves their finger from the left side to the upperside of the touchpad 705, this would cause the cursor to go from movingleft, to diagonally left and up, to straight up on the graphical userinterface. This operational mode could also be used to control one ortwo scroll bars, among other navigational devices.

The touchpad 705 could also be used in conjunction with themultidirectional navigational input key 721 to provide a third dimensionof navigation. For example, a brushing motion on the touchpad 705 couldoperate to move a scroll bar like a finger-wheel on a mouse. Brushingthe touchpad 705 counter-clockwise would move the scroll bar up, andbrushing the touchpad 705 clockwise would move the scroll bar down, orvice-versa. The multidirectional navigational input key 721 would, atthe same time, be operable to move a cursor in two directions. Otherapplications running on an electronic device with a graphical userinterface could also benefit from using the touchpad 705 for a thirddimensional navigational input device, as explained above in thedescription of the rotatable rim 705.

Regarding all the example key arrangements, other keys could be added tothese examples, or the function of the keys could be different. Inaddition to the letters, numbers, and symbols shown, the keys mayfurther include symbols and functions that are typically utilized withkeyboards. Example symbols include “.”, “,”, “;”, “″”, “′”, “:”, “?”,“/”, “>”, “<”, “!”, “@”, “˜”, “$”, “%”, “ˆ”, “&”, “(”, “)”, “_”, “−”,“+”, “=”, “[”, “]”, “{”, “}”, “|”, and “\”, among other known symbols.Example functions include “tab,” “caps lock,” “shift,” “control,” “alt,”“return enter,” “backspace,” “insert,” “delete,” “home,” “end,” “pageup,” “page down,” “end,” “escape,” “pause,” “break,” “send,” “end,”“txt,” “sym,” and “scroll lock,” among other known functions associatedwith text entry or telephony entry.

A variety of shapes are shown for the keys in the various embodiment.Other shapes may also be utilized, without limitation. In several of theexample key arrangements, the keys in the first and last columns areshown as having a smaller size than the keys in the middle columns. Inaddition, for key arrangements that are positioned at the bottom of amobile communication device, it may be desirable to have the keys in thebottom row have a smaller size than the keys in the upper rows. The keysin the bottom row are preferably positioned near the bottom edge of theface of the housing of the mobile communication device such that thesame principals of usage apply and the keys are easier to access becauseof their proximity to the edge of the device. Alternatively, for adevice where the keyboard is positioned at the top of the housing, thetop row may have keys that are smaller in size than keys in the lowerrows of the key arrangement.

Exemplary embodiments have been described hereinabove regarding bothhandheld electronic devices 300, as well as the communication networks319 within which they cooperate. Again, it should be appreciated thatthe focus of the present disclosure is enhanced usability of today'smore sophisticated wireless handheld communication devices 300 takinginto account the necessary busyness of the front face real estate ofthese more compact devices that incorporate additional user interfaces.

1. A handheld wireless communication device configured to send andreceive text messages, said device comprising: a hand cradleable bodyconfigured to be held in one hand by an operator of said device duringtext entry; a display located on a front face of said body and uponwhich information is displayed to the operator during text entry; a keyfield located on the front face of said elongate body, said key fieldbeing composed of a plurality of keys selected from a plurality ofalphanumeric input keys and at least one menu key; a trackballnavigation tool located on the front face of said body; a menu keypositioned laterally adjacent to said trackball navigation tool andwhich upon actuation displays an available action menu on said display;said alphanumeric input keys comprising a plurality of alphabetic keyshaving letters associated therewith and said letters, in a top row ofsaid alphabetic keys, comprising in consecutive order the letters Q, W,E, R and T; a microprocessor configured to receive operator commandsfrom said alphanumeric input keys, said menu keys and said trackballnavigation tool and to affect corresponding changes to the display; andsaid alphanumeric input keys of said key field are arranged in key-rowsand key-columns and each key-column is vertically offset from anadjacent key-column.
 2. The handheld wireless communication device asrecited in claim 1, wherein each key-column is vertically offset fromall adjacent key-columns.
 3. The handheld wireless communication deviceas recited in claim 1, wherein said key-columns are linearly arrangedand said key-rows are non-linearly arranged.
 4. The handheld wirelesscommunication device as recited in claim 1, wherein said lettersassociated with said alphabetic keys are arranged in a QWERTY layout. 5.The handheld wireless communication device as recited in claim 1,wherein said letters associated with said alphabetic keys are arrangedin a reduced-QWERTY layout.
 6. The handheld wireless communicationdevice as recited in claim 1, wherein said body is configured to be heldin the hand of the operator with a long axis of said devicesubstantially horizontally oriented during text entry.
 7. The handheldwireless communication device as recited in claim 1, wherein said bodyis configured to be held in the hand of the operator with a long axis ofsaid device substantially vertically oriented during text entry.
 8. Thehandheld wireless communication device as recited in claim 7, whereinsaid display is located in an upper portion of the front face of saidbody during text entry, said key field is located in a lower portion ofthe front face of said body during text entry and said trackballnavigation tool is located substantially between said key field and saiddisplay.
 9. The handheld wireless communication device as recited inclaim 1, wherein said trackball navigation tool is at least partiallysurrounded by said key field.
 10. The handheld wireless communicationdevice as recited in claim 1, wherein a majority of said trackballnavigation tool is surrounded by said key field.
 11. The handheldwireless communication device as recited in claim 1, further comprising:said handheld wireless communication device being configured to send andreceive voice communications; wherein at least one key of said key fieldis positioned adjacent to said trackball navigation tool and said atleast one key has a circular arc-shaped edge conformance fitting to acircular arc-shaped boundary about said trackball navigation tool; andtwo call keys oppositely and laterally flank said trackball navigationtool, one of said two call keys being a call initiation key and theother being a call termination key.
 12. The handheld wirelesscommunication device as recited in claim 11, wherein said at least onekey of said key field that is positioned adjacent to said trackballnavigation tool is a menu key that upon actuation displays an availableaction menu on said display.
 13. A handheld wireless communicationdevice configured to send and receive text messages, said devicecomprising: a hand cradleable, body configured to be held in one hand byan operator of said device during text entry; a display located on afront face of said body and upon which information is displayed to theoperator during text entry; a key field located on the front face ofsaid elongate body, said key field being composed of a plurality of keysselected from a plurality of alphanumeric input keys and at least onemenu key; a trackball navigation tool located on the front face of saidbody; a menu key positioned laterally adjacent to said trackballnavigation tool and which upon actuation displays an available actionmenu on said display; said alphanumeric input keys comprising aplurality of alphabetic keys having letters associated therewith andsaid letters being arranged in a traditional, non-ITU Standard E.161layout; a microprocessor configured to receive operator commands fromsaid alphanumeric input keys, said menu keys and said trackballnavigation tool and to affect corresponding changes to the display; andsaid alphanumeric input keys of said key field are arranged in key-rowsand key-columns and each key-column is vertically offset from anadjacent key-column.
 14. The handheld wireless communication device asrecited in claim 13, wherein each key-column is vertically offset fromall adjacent key-columns.
 15. The handheld wireless communication deviceas recited in claim 13, wherein said key-columns are linearly arrangedand said key-rows are non-linearly arranged.
 16. The handheld wirelesscommunication device as recited in claim 13, wherein said body isconfigured to be held in the hand of the operator with a long axis ofsaid device substantially horizontally oriented during text entry. 17.The handheld wireless communication device as recited in claim 13,wherein said body is configured to be held in the hand of the operatorwith a long axis of said device substantially vertically oriented duringtext entry.
 18. The handheld wireless communication device as recited inclaim 13, wherein a majority of said trackball navigation tool issurrounded by said key field.
 19. The handheld wireless communicationdevice as recited in claim 13, further comprising: said handheldwireless communication device being configured to send and receive voicecommunications; wherein at least one key of said key field is positionedadjacent to said trackball navigation tool and said at least one key hasa circular arc-shaped edge conformance fitting to a circular arc-shapedboundary about said trackball navigation tool; and two call keysoppositely and laterally flank said trackball navigation tool, one ofsaid two call keys being a call initiation key and the other being acall termination key.